How to Get Around
Charleston

Though downtown Charleston is relatively small and easy to navigate, good transportation methods are still necessary. Visitors can traverse Charleston’s cobbled streets by foot and car, but robust public transportation options are also available. The city runs shuttles and buses that can keep you from the trouble of renting a car or calling a taxi.

Here is a breakdown of all the options for getting around Charleston.

On Foot

Charleston has been inhabited for over 400 years, meaning much of it was designed to be accessible on foot. The city’s Historic District is especially walkable, but there might be traffic to contend with. If you want to explore outside of downtown Charleston, however, you will need a car or some form of public transportation.

Many tour companies offer guided walking tours in downtown Charleston, such as this culinary tour of local eateries that we recommend in our guide to the 15 Absolute Best Things to do in Charleston.

Biking

Charleston is the perfect city to explore by bike! The Pinch offers complimentary cruisers available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so you can travel around the downtown Charleston peninsula with ease. Take a ride to the Waterfront Park to enjoy the view, or Rainbow Row to snap some pictures! Just ask one of our front desk associates and we’ll get you fitted on a bike and on your way!

Bike Taxi

Also known as pedicabs or rickshaws, bike taxis can be a fun, open-air way to travel around downtown Charleston. Companies like Charleston Pedicab and Charleston Rickshaw operate from about 9am in the morning to midnight, seven days a week. You can either call them and give them your location, or simply flag down an empty one. The cost is about $6 per person per ten minutes.

Taxis

Traditional, metered taxis aren’t common in Charleston, but ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are very prevalent. These apps may be your best bet for traveling outside of the city, or for getting to and from the airport.

The city has certain taxi companies like Charleston Green Taxi and Charleston Cab Company, whom you can book in advance.

Car Rental

If you are planning to embark on some day trips, like the ones we recommend in our list of the 15 Best Day Trips from Charleston, renting a car may be your best bet. Parking can be difficult and expensive downtown, so renting a car may not be ideal if you plan to spend all your time there.

Alamo, Hertz, Budget, and other major car rental companies have stations at the airport and in downtown Charleston.

Water Taxi

The Charleston Water Taxi is necessary for getting from downtown Charleston to Patriots Point, which is home to attractions like the Naval & Maritime Museum. The water taxi is an enjoyable, relaxing way to get across the harbor, and day passes start at $12.

Whether you choose to hail a pedicab or hop on the DASH, Charleston has many available options for transportation. Make sure to be mindful of rush hour traffic and special events like the Spoleto Festival when planning your travel, as they may affect prices and travel time.

Book now and explore Charleston at your own pace.